Elizabeth Warren: I want a watchdog for Betsy DeVos' Department of Education

The Massachusetts senator writes that oversight is necessary over secretary DeVos

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June 1, 2017 3:01PM (UTC)

Sen. Elizabeth Warren announced a new project on Wednesday that will attempt to resist the predatory agenda of Betsy DeVos, the secretary of the Department of Education.

In an op-ed published online on CNN, the Massachusetts Democrats argued that DeVos was actively trying to undermine efforts to protect students. She cited two of DeVos' first hires at the department, Robert Eitel and Taylor Hansen, who were lobbyists on behalf of the for-profit college industry and have represented clients that have paid millions for defrauding students.

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"That's why today I am announcing a new project to hold Secretary DeVos' Department of Education accountable," Warren wrote in her op-ed. "DeVos Watch will seek information about the Department's actions and inactions around federal student loans and grants and highlight the findings. People can also participate directly by tracking the Department's actions, submitting oversight suggestions or filing whistleblower tips."

Warren wrote that DeVos failed to inspire much confidence during her confirmation hearing back in January. Her actions thus far as secretary have shown that students are not a priority for this administration. Warren highlighted DeVos' decision to reverse a policy preventing student loan debt collectors from charging exorbitant fees to students trying to catch up on their loans.

Warren wrote that now, more than ever, the federal government needs oversight.

"Accountability is about making government work for everyone," the potential 2020 presidential candidate wrote. "Regardless of political party, I'm hopeful that other policymakers will join me in efforts to hold the Department of Education accountable for serving our students — not the industries that make money off them. We all have an interest in a well-run, fiscally responsible, corruption-free student aid program that puts students first. That is Secretary DeVos' job — and it is Congress' job to make sure she does it."

Taylor Link

Taylor Link is an assistant editor at Salon. You can find him on Twitter at @taylorlink_